Free Elf Printable Letters + 28 Activities

It’s almost that time of year again! The Elf on the Shelf will be back after Thanksgiving. I resisted “the elf” for years, but after seeing how much it delighted my kids I finally gave in and actually regret not doing it sooner. It’s such a simple way to add a little extra joy to the holiday season. That said, it can be stressful to come up with new activities to do everyday, so I’m going to help you out! Use these free elf printable activities to save time and cut stress this holiday season.

I created a set of four FREE printable elf letters that you can use to fill 4 of the days with! There is a letter to kick things off, an activity letter that you can customize, a progress report, and note to say goodbye. You can customize your elf letters using the easy to edit template at OnlineLabels.com. First, open the free printable template so you can add your elf’s name, child’s name, and other personalization. Then download and print them out. I used pre-perforated cardstock postcards from OnlineLabels.com to print my elf letters on. All I had to do was fold on the dotted lines and separate them!

Here are 28 Elf on the Shelf activities to help give your creativity a boost! Click on the link in each one to see a photo for inspiration.

Week 1

1. Use the free printable “I’m back” letter to kick off the fun!
2. Use the Magic of Christmas card to encourage an act of kindness.
3. Use a dry erase marker to add mustaches to framed family photos. Position the elf with the marker in its hands.
4. Have Grogu or another large toy levitate your elf. Hang it using fishing line.
5. Use the Storytime card on top of a stack of books.
6. Let the elf wrangle a dinosaur or other stuffed toy.
7. Send the elf on a hot balloon ride using a paper lantern and a basket.

Week 2

1. Use the free printable blank activity card to create an action for the day. You can copy my idea pictured above if needed.
2. Use the Christmas list card and add a piece of paper and pencil.
3. Have a doll or statue hold the elf high in the air out of reach.
4. Use the hot cocoa card and provide a mug and supplies.
5. Use the Treat Time card on top a plate of snacks.
6. Let the elf offer “reindeer poop” snacks.
7. Replace your kids’ pictures with photos of the elf.

Week 3

1. Use the free printable Progress Report note and place a pencil in the elf’s hands.
2. Use the Christmas movie and place it on top of a DVD or printout of a movie title.
3. Make a video of your elf disconnecting your Nest Cam and place the elf next to the camera as proof.
4. Create a tiny glass toilet for the elf in the bathroom and fill it with sprinkles.
5. Use the candy cane card and hide several around the room.
6. Use fake snow or Poly-Fil to create a winter wonderland for the elf.
7. Use the Christmas craft card and provide a few supplies to encourage creativity.

Week 4

1. Use a sheet of posterboard to make a giant paper airplane for the elf to fly in.
2. Use the Christmas song card and add a microphone or Christmas song playlist.
3. Throw toilet paper over a ceiling fan and wrap the elf up in it.
4. Hang the elf off a nutcracker or other holiday statue/decor.
5. Use the naughty or nice card to offer encouragement.
6. Have the elf spell their name with Legos or other small toys.
7. Use the free printable goodbye letter after the elf leaves. I like to place a photo of our elf in a tiny frame to leave with the note.

I hope these activities will help you make it through the month! Have fun creating memories for your kids with these free elf printables.